Ready to demystify how NIH grants are evaluated? The CCTS Mock Study Section series gives you an insider’s view of the grant review process with a two-part approach that puts you first in the reviewer’s seat, then lets you observe the real-time dynamics of a study section discussion. Nothing beats hands-on experience with the NIH review process. Whether you’re preparing your first application or mentoring early-career faculty, this series helps you sharpen your grant-writing strategy by understanding what reviewers really look for.
What to Expect During a Study Section Review
| Watch this recent presentation for a breakdown of what to expect during your study section review. |
August Sessions:
Sit In The Driver’s Seat – Be the Reviewer
Step into the role of an NIH study section reviewer. Participants will receive materials in advance and be guided through scoring and critiquing an actual K or R01 application. You’ll apply NIH review criteria, develop summary statements, and learn how reviewers formulate and communicate feedback.
- K Grant Review – August 18, 1-2:30pm
- Facilitator: Dr. Lisa Jackson | More info
- R01 Grant Review – August 19, 1-2:30pm
- Facilitator: Dr. Martin Young | More info
"Be the Reviewer" Registration is Closed.
Register for "Observe the Process" Sessions Below
**Registration for "Be the Reviewer" sessions will close at 5PM on August 11th.
Prepatory materials will be sent to registered participants prior to the event.
Know someone else who would be interested? Download and share a flyer.
Upcoming Sessions:
Be the Fly On the Wall – Observe a Study Section in Action
See the scoring and discussion unfold just like it does in an actual NIH study section. Observe how reviewers present their critiques, debate strengths and weaknesses, and arrive at a final impact score. You’ll walk away with valuable insight on how to prepare your own proposals to succeed in peer review.
NOTE: The “Observe the Process” Mock Study Section sessions scheduled for September 22 and 23 have been postponed. We are currently working to reschedule both sessions for October.
Updated dates will be announced as soon as they are confirmed. If you have already registered, your registration will remain active and you will be notified directly when the new dates are available.
Thank you for your understanding, and we hope you will be able to join us for the rescheduled sessions.
- K Grant Review Observation – September 22, 1-2:30pm
- Facilitator: Dr. David Pollock | More info
- R01 Grant Review Observation – September 23, 1-2:30pm
- Facilitator: Dr. William Geisler | More info
Register now for September "Observe the Process" sessions
Know someone else who would be interested? Download and share a flyer.
Upcoming Mock Study Section Presentations:
"Sit In The Driver’s Seat: Be the Reviewer of a K Grant"
August 18, 2026; 1-2:30 (CT) PM via Zoom
Session Facilitator: Dr. Lisa Jackson
**Registration for "Be the Reviewer" sessions closed at 5PM on August 11th.
Prepatory materials will be sent to registered participants prior to the event.
Through a facilitated simulation, participants will read, critique and score an actual grant (K application) and will see how their comments influence the discussion. Participants are able to learn how a study section operates in the review process, to better prepare their own grants for review.
"Sit In The Driver’s Seat: Be the Reviewer of an R01 Grant"
August 19, 2026; 1-2:30 (CT) PM via Zoom
Session Facilitator: Dr. Martin Young
**Registration for "Be the Reviewer" sessions closed at 5PM on August 11th.
Prepatory materials will be sent to registered participants prior to the event.
Through a facilitated simulation, participants will read, critique and score an actual grant (R application) and will see how their comments influence the discussion. Participants are able to learn how a study section operates in the review process, to better prepare their own grants for review.
"Be The Fly On The Wall During An NIH Study Section: Observe the Review Process of an R01 Grant"
September 22, 2026; 1-2:30 (CT) PM via Zoom
Session Facilitator: Dr. David Pollock
Register for "Observe the Process" Events
Participants will observe how reviewers present their critiques, debate strengths and weaknesses, and arrive at a final impact score. Watch as a Mock NIH Study Section reviews and scores a grant to better prepare their your own grants for review.
"Be The Fly On The Wall During An NIH Study Section: Observe the Review Process of a K Grant"
September 23, 2026; 1-2:30 (CT) PM via Zoom
Session Facilitator: Dr. Will Geisler
Register for "Observe the Process" Events
Participants will observe how reviewers present their critiques, debate strengths and weaknesses, and arrive at a final impact score. Watch as a Mock NIH Study Section reviews and scores a grant to better prepare their your own grants for review.
Questions?
Know someone else who would be interested in these events? Download and share a flyer.
For more information about the Mock NIH Study Section, contact Tina Thomas, PhD, at martinathomas@uabmc.edu.